#Japan #Minato #Yamate Raids #Tokyo Air Raids #Peace Declaration

Yamate Air Raids 80th Anniversary: A Gathering of Remembrance

On July 13, 2024, Sunday, a significant event titled "Yamate Air Raids 80th Anniversary Gathering of Storytelling and Music" will take place. The air raids during World War II greatly affected the Minato Ward (previously known as Shiba, Azabu, and Akasaka), with several bombings occurring throughout the area.

In particular, the terrible destruction caused during the Tokyo air raids on March 10, 1945, largely impacted the downtown areas, while the Yamate raids on May 24 and from the 25th to the 26th targeted this region with even more intense bombardment. Many parts of Shiba and most of Azabu and Akasaka were left in ruin. The raid that began on the night of May 25 inflicted especially heavy casualties, claiming numerous lives around the Omotesando area.

Since 2016, the Yamate Air Raid Commemoration Committee has organized gatherings to fulfill two essential goals: to pass on the experiences of the Yamate air raids to the next generation and to learn from history to ensure that such wars never occur again.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Minato Ward's "Peace City Declaration". Therefore, the district aims to keep the memories of wartime alive without letting them fade from our collective memory. The event this year will not only feature flower offerings on May 25 but will also be co-hosted with the committee for the storytelling gathering, providing a platform for peace reflection across various generations.

Event Overview for the Yamate Air Raids 80th Anniversary Gathering

• - Date and Time: July 13, 2024 (Sunday) from 1 PM to 3 PM (Doors open at 12:30 PM)
• - Location: Aoyama Elementary School Gymnasium, Minato Ward, 4-21-15 Minami-Aoyama
• - Co-hosted by: Yamate Air Raid Commemoration Committee and Minato Ward

Program Highlights

• - Stories from Survivors: Hear firsthand accounts from Yamate air raid survivors sharing their experiences.
• - Readings by Local Students: Children and students from nearby schools will share their insights and readings based on the air raid experiences.
• - Musical Performances: Enjoy piano and viola performances featuring pianist Mari Sato and violist Ken Iida.

(Image from the previous gathering featuring the performances of Mari Sato and Ken Iida)

This gathering serves as a crucial opportunity to engage with the painful memory of war while fostering a spirit of peace among the younger generations. We invite everyone to attend and reflect on these experiences, ensuring such events never fade into the past.